Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest has increased by almost six times, new data suggests. New satellite images show deforestation has increased from 103 sq km in March and April 2010 to 593 sq km (229 sq miles) in the same period of 2011, Brazil’s space research institute says. Much of the destruction has been in Mato Grosso state, the centre of soya farming in Brazil. The news comes shortly before a vote on new forest protection rules.Continue reading Brazil: Amazon rainforest deforestation rises sharply→